Here are some of the
responses to the comments, I love hearing all your stories and comments, makes
it all worthwhile. I must find time to update this site. Thanks to all of you!
6/3/07- Message:
I was a major peppermint gardens goer and was googling as a couple of us are
thinking of doing a reunion night in Warrington.
Are you still in touch with anyone from there? - dave@dave-ward.co.uk
Answer: No, have lost touch with everyone but sometimes see Logan as he lives in my
village and he still sees some of the old names. I would be interested in
a reunion though.
28/04/007 - Message: x
smooch...sites friggin cool.....Billo in Spain
Answer: Hi Billo been a long time since we spoke,
think you have to be one of my first web cam chatting friends from across the
sea in sunny Spain, nice to see your still around.
11/18/07 - Comment from my Cousin David Rudd in Canada - In memory of my Mum Alice Rudd (1918 - 2007)
I am going to miss my Mum. She taught me many things - to love nature
(hiking in the Lake District on the fells
among the sheep), to love music (visiting the Halle Orchestra), to be
adventurous and to swim (I hated those swimming lessons), to clean my teeth
every day and be a good boy. She taught me to love God and visit him
many times in St. John's
Church with her. She made
me proud to sing in the choir and go to Sunday school, the evening service and
St. Johns Cubs. Occasionally when I was little I spent my church
collection (two bob) at Charley Duggan's on dolly mixtures (didn't tell her
that though). In between her visits to Canada
and mine to England
I used to speak to my Mum every weekend and we shared moments and had lots of
laughs. Even though her memory wasn’t as good as it used to be she still
talked about how much she loved St. John’s church where she was christened,
married and spent many happy times. She attended the Friendship group and
bible study right up to the time that she left to be with God. She was a
beautiful and intelligent lady. I wish I could have been there to say
goodbye. I’m going to miss her but I’ll see her in my dreams. One day I’ll be
able to give her a hug again. Her Loving Son, David
11/18/07 - Comment from 'Mersey
rock Mike' aka Mike Gallagher -
A beautiful message David heard a lot of things about your mum all fantastic.
Wish Id known her. And, I do remember Charlie Dugans too
11/27/08 - Message
received - Loved your site, you look familiar, I used to go to Pips in the
early 80's maybe that's where from. I saw a pic of someone that looked
like you with an old boyfriend of mine Simon McGrath who is sadly died in the
mid 80's on another site. Nice nostalgia trip thanks. Answer - Thanks is
this Sharon?
5/4/08 - Message received -
Name: Kev ONeill. Hi Mel .its Kev O'Neill, last time I saw you was probably in
gossips, I was in some kind of Gestapo uniform for a fancy dress night .you
were in I think a leopard print skin hugging kit, as the norm . Keep running
into this site, first by accident then it kept cropping up in searches of other
stuff, have had a good read and laugh .great stuff. Especially when I know a
bit of some of the stuff and people you are talking about. Cricket club discos,
Burtonwood, Gossips, Probe and Eric’s, that was a buzz loved it there some
great bands/times, etc. Also Cyril’s parties were a laugh. I know you
were there. Anyway take care and keep it up .x
Answer - Thanks for the message Kev. I can't respond to you
because I don't have an e-mail address for you, good to hear from you
though...fun times for sure.
22/04/08 - Message received - What
are your fave memories of "Pips" in Manchester, I used go there as
often as I could down to the "Cave" the first time i heard
"Anarchy in the UK" was there, and it felt like somebody had run up
and punched me square in the face! What a track! I also remember dancing to
"Station to Station" & "Queen Bitch" by Bowie, doing
all the hand and mime movements! What did i look like! Fond memories!
Answer - Hi I am unable to reply back as I don't have your
e-mail address but yes they were fun times - you must have resided in the Bowie room then. My favourite
memories are a little hazy, remember 2 guys who we called 'the dolls' they
danced in their own style and they looked like little dolls. The best room was
the top room, I used to love all the music and loved to pose and pout as you
can tell!!
03/07/08 Message received - Name:
Graham Smith E-mail:grahamlad@tiscali.co.uk Question: Brilliant web site really
impressed. was only 13 in 77. I got into
punk/post punk late 78. My cousin Ashley was first punk in Keighley late 76 he
was 17 at time did you ever visit Keighley/Bradford knickers club in Keighley
had punk bands on. Also royal standard in Bradford
do you know Johna off MySpace?
Great times those, will never forget them, your memories and pics are fantastic
regards Graham
Answer – Yes, I know Johna we chat on my space often but I
haven't been to Bradford.
05/07/08 - Message received - Name:
Danlo Monzillo E-mail:blitzkids@gmail.com
Question: Hello Melanie I’m Danilo, web master of the blitz kids web site www.geocities.com/theblitzkids
) and I love your 80s pictures.
Please, let me know what you think if I create a page for you in the site?
? I would love to!!!!
Hope hear about you, tons of love, Danilo
Answer - That would be fabulous, private message on it’s
way, thanks Danilo xxx
09/07/08 Message received - Name:
Gary Struthers Question: Where have all the good times gone? Bowie.
Answer: They are still here Gary and I still remember YOU!! Get in touch,
we have a lot to catch up on and I'd love to know how you found me again after
all these years. Viva
Peppermint Gardens!!
11/08/08 Message
received - Name: Griff (Pete Griffiths ex Spitfire Boys) Question: Hey how
are you? Nice site. I'm wracking my brains but just can't remember you at all.
Thanks for remembering me and showing interest XXX.
Answer: I've been wondering what ever happened to you for a
long time...I have you mentioned in my diary entries a few times (couldn't
recall what you looked like though)
21/08/08 Message received
- Name: John (from Chorley) Question: I
googled something like Wigan Pier and Alternative nights, and ended up here, it’s
a nostalgic thing or a midlife crisis. But was interested to know how many
people out there cherish their memories of Alternative bliss. I Used to go
regularly to places like, Sinclair’s, The Pier, Pemps (once), Strangers Night
(Park Hall), and later De Villes and Cloud 9, before chucking it all in by Jan
1985. My friend Pat was a Bowie
mad and was a self proclaimed "Thin White Duke". Memories of Mohawks,
mirror walls, dry ice and trying to look as good as Ian Astbury or Andy
Sexgang. Once walked out of a Smiths gig at The Gum Club in Blackburn
(1983) because they looked boring. Recently seen a web page saying Planet X had
a 25 year celebration night in May? Anyone got any plans for a 40 something
alternative night playing things from 1981 to 1984.
Answer: Please send me your e-mail address so I can respond
to you John
13.02.09 Message
received - Name: Stella E-mail:shemmings34@hotmail.com Question: Thank God
for you! I felt like I was the only one...this was me and my mates routine. Wed
Wigan Pier, Thurs Legends Manchester, Fri
Peppermint Gardens,
Sat Various in Manchester
- always started at Hortz Wine Bar but I can't remember the name (generally out
of it!!) The punk club in the basement near Albert Square (the cavern?) as it
was so not cool to go to the Hacienda or Thursdays or the other one which the
Stone Roses had graffittied all over that played a lot of the Cure!! Sunday
Charnock Richards, on the motorway (chips in the services on the way home to
St.Helens). Deb and I used to spend Sundays and Mondays making our gorgeous
black dresses etc...Very little material needed - I know you understand. I MUST
have met you there....My highlights were the accessibility to the musicians,
the music, the vibe, the sexual freedom and the boyfriends borrowing your
makeup/clothes...etc.....I really miss those days...I live a long way from the
North West now, and have lost touch with everyone, which kind of makes it all
the more glamorous and unreal...I loved every minute and I cherish your
website... Many thanks for the nostalgia trip! Stella from
St.Helens...40something ex-goth! If you can help me out with the name of the
club in Manchester I'd be grateful (I can picture it now) I used to love it
when the clocks went back as we'd get an extra hour...you used to have to take
your nose studs/earrings etc out and duck under the tables when the bottles
were flying...utter blissx
Answer: Lovely to hear from you, and thank you for the
compliments. I wonder if the club was Cloud Nine? (I have privately e-mailed
you)
25.04.09 Message
received - Name: john (from Chorley)
E-mail:jkhb@hotmail.co.uk
Question: none, except, is it just me that keeps thinking of
a reunion for 40 something’s, new romantics/ goths/ weirdo’s. How much fun
would it be to take over the pier for one night only and raise some money for
charity and have a celebration for the alternative era, to see old friends and
people with grey hair, bald etc still being able to dance to Everything’s Gone
Green by New Order, etc. Edwin Hind from Virgin Dance? So them at the Balcony
Farm (now Chequers, Skelmersdale 83), does he still perform, who would play
their, and could the place be filled by us oldies? Could it attract a big name
again, like Frankie, Jayne
County, and Soft Cell? Chips
and Chicken during some strange licensing laws half way through the night ,
topped by Blue Bols and Ice.
Answer: That sounds like a great night to be arranged by
someone...I remember those Blue Bols and the chicken & chips. Did you go
the night Depeche Mode and ABC were there? I can't remember which other bands
did promos, can you?
24/08/09 Message
received Name: Richard Harrison (rich bitch!!)
E-mail:rchrdharrison871@gmail.com
Question: I was the drummer with the shattered dolls-we played Eric’s one
Saturday
afternoon in 1977, amazing!
I googled shattered dolls and found ur amazing
website, I was their drummer for a
while in 77 and played Eric’s and the Havana
club in Liverpool.
I then left to go back home to my parents and university!
so many memories, wud love to hear ur
memories! Best wishes, Richard
Response: Mel - Haven't we spoken before? I am in touch with Jaki Florek
and another guy mailed me from the band also, but lost all my e-mails in a
recent crash.
Response: Richard - Mel, thanx4the info, Gof and Lou were the 2 brothers behind
the
band, Angie was the singer when I was there (gof's girlfriend). I haven't
played the drums since I left in 77, was bored and pissed off with the
harshness of being in an unsuccessful band like theirs.
Nice to have played Erics and meeting the gr8 roger eagle and listening to his
dub music. I am so proud to have played the once great Cavern club with Bob
Geldof in the audience, best wishes, Rich
06/09/09 Message received
Name: Susan A. Gallagher E-mail:sueg54@msn.com
Question: Just commenting. I'm sure our paths must have crossed, most likely in
Pips!
I have been looking up Pips on the 'net for a long time, but didn't find a lot
- which
surprised me, as I consider it the best club ever!
Then I found it's entry on the Manchester
district music archive, found your profile on the Blitz Kids website, and
linked to this site, which I really enjoy.
My love of alternative music has followed a similar path to yours - I got into
Roxy Music and glam-rock generally, and started going to a club in Manchester called the Piccadilly
‘Disco in about'71 - '72 with a friend. This place had 2 rooms, and, as well as
general chart music, they played David Bowie, T.Rex, Alice Cooper, etc. Then I
started work, and a colleague recommended Pips, so my friend and I went there
and loved it.
We also went to a few Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry concerts in Manchester, (where I still live), though I'm
sorry to say I didn't see them when Brian Eno was in the band.
After a while, someone recommended Placement 7, which my friend loved but I
wasn't as keen on - I much preferred Pips. We went to both places for a while,
then she didn't want to go to Pips
anymore, and none of my other friends wanted to go; I did not have the
confidence to go on my own, although I did go alone to concerts Gary Numan for
example with no problems. I also got into punk, which they didn't play for
years at Placement.
I was going 'round that club in studded and zippered outfits. (mum made some for me), and prattling about
Alternative TV and such while people were telling me I should go to Pips, but
not offering to go with me, while” Night Fever" was being played every
other record! Eventually, a friend, suffering from Man Problems, fancied going
somewhere different, (she was another Placemate Regular), and I suggested Pips
she agreed, I loved it, and she hated it, saying; "it's weird here",
which is one of the things I loved about it!!!!!!! And saying she wanted to go
to Placemate. We did,
but not before I'd arranged a date with a guy I saw for a while; when it was my
turn
to choose where we would go, I'd choose Pips.
Well, me and him fizzled out amiably, but I was still in love with Pips and
one night when my friends were not feeling well enough to go out, and I was
upset as
my gran had recently died, I decided to bite the bullet and go to Pips by
myself.
I needn't have worried - everyone made me feel welcome, and I felt I really
"fitted in."
It was great to hear the music I really loved, some of which I'd previously
only heard on more adventurous radio stations, and on my own record player! By
now it was
February 1981, I was 29 and into New Romantic synthpop as well as punk and
glam.
I saw Gary Numan, Ultravox, Orchestral Manoevers in The Dark and Kraftwerk in
concert, and loved all other such music like Visage, Fad Gadget, Depeche Mode,
etc.
The artists appearing on Friday night, upstairs in what was normally the oldies
room,
were always interesting.
The dance troupe Shock was on a couple of times; on one of these occasions,
someone mistook me for Barbie Wilde! (Even though I didn't have blue hair!)
Pips closed but re-opened as Thursdays, with much the same format.
I gained a circle of friends who were into the alternative scene through
Pips/Thursdays, as well as Legend alternative night on a Thursday night, Cloud
Nine, and concert-going. There was also Monday night at the Ritz, Berlin behind Kendal's,
and the an alternative night at what is now 42nd Street.
I felt the music scene started to go downhill around '87 and like you,
really found it dull in the '90s, with just the odd gem, so to speak.
Manchester in particular seemed to really suffer from boring clubs at that time
a much younger
friend of mine, who loves '80s music, attributes it to Manchester not having a
New Romantic band associated with it, (let's face it, you can hardly count New
Order!) and I feel everywhere, almost, was concentrating on the house music and
what-have-you the, I feel, very over-rated Hacienda rejoiced in. (I did see
some good concerts there - including a Batcave night). I did also go to some
alternative nights in Leeds and Bradford, when
visiting like-minded friends who were studying there. Eventually, disillusioned with the music
scene, you turned to body building and tattoo conventions. I turned to sci-fi
conventions, as I'd always liked the genre, and those events did play a good
amount of alternative music at their evening 'discos!
In time, some friends and I came across the Underworld Goth club in Jilly's, and
learned about Whitby Goth Weekend, which I frequently attend.
I also like Ara goth/alternative night at Trinity
Church, and loved Sin City
night at the retro bar, which sadly ended some time ago. However, last year a
monthly New Romantic night started in Tiger Lounge, which took a break for the
summer but is re-starting in October. Us regulars love it!
I'm now 58 and still love the music and atmosphere -watch this space!!!!!!!!!
Sue G
Response: Mel - WOW Susan what a brilliant message, and your 58? surely that's
wrong you sound so young. I am 49 just edging towards the big 50 and dreading
it, taking myself off to Iceland
to celebrate or commiserate more likely.
Glad to see you are still getting out there and doing something, some people
think you
should be sat at home in your slippers and dressing gown past 40.
I still do some gigs, about once a month, review them and really into
photography now, I also interview people did you see my other site
wwww.mudkiss.com. It's very hard work, and time consuming being the editor and
there are 5 other people who work for the Mudkiss team.
Check it out and if you have facebook or MySpace add us and keep in touch. It’s
a great feeling when people get in touch after finding the site. I will publish
your little story on soulkiss. It's very valuable. Mel x
